Finance in the Middle East and Asia Assignment Questions 2026: MENA Bonds, Islamic Banks and SME Credit University SOAS University of London Subject Finance in the Middle East and Asia Finance in the Middle East and Asia Assignment Questions Module Finance in the Middle East and Asia Assessment type Essay – answer one question only Word limit 1,500 words Instructions Answer only one of the following four questions.
Question 1: Corporate Bond Markets in MENA What have been the key factors limiting the growth of corporate bond issuance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? Explain how some MENA companies have been able to overcome some of these barriers and raise debt in international markets.
Question 2: Bank-Based Financial Systems What factors explain the orientation of financial systems in MENA towards a bank-based system? What needs to happen for a stronger shift towards a market-based system?
Question 3: Islamic Banks and Financial Crises Are Islamic banks more resilient than conventional banks in the face of a financial crisis? Explain your answer.
Question 4: SME Access to Credit What are the main financial and non-financial obstacles that limit SME access to credit in MENA countries, and how does the lack of credit affect their growth and innovation? What strategies can SMEs adopt to improve their likelihood of obtaining finance?v